Bordalás: "The effort of the players and the boost of the fans are my takeaways from the game"

Valencia CF coach José Bordalás reviewed the 1-2 defeat against Real Madrid in his post-match press conference following the Matchday 5 contest.

Were there too many setbacks for 90 minutes against Real Madrid?

We're sad, because the team put in an incredible effort. Despite the problems that we had at the start of the game, both with Carlos Soler and Thierry Correia's injuries, the team performed at a great level. The plan that we had prepared was carried out to perfection. We were the better side, we pressed high and we made things uncomfortable for Real Madrid. We had control of the game. Obviously, with them being a team of such a high level, they had chances, but nothing that was dangerous. In the second half we went ahead, and things were going the same as at the start, so it was a pity to lose. It was a pity because the team had 75 perfect minutes. All of those setbacks, and the physical exertion required, left us exhausted at the end.

What happened in those last 15 minutes?

Above all, obviously Real Madrid had an adverse scoreline and are a team with quality, of a high level and with a great squad. They went in search of the equaliser. It was bad luck that the ball hit Foulquier for the goal, however, we should have known how to handle those last minutes. We allowed crosses to be made and didn’t read those last minutes well -and we ended up paying for it. The effort took its toll in that final stretch because, the team put in a tremendous effort.

What I'll take away is the work that the team did, and the boost that our fans gave us. I want to thank them, because they supported the team throughout. We're sad, because overall the team had a great game.

How are Carlos Soler and Correia?

They are obviously two important players for the team. We had already had Cheryshev's injury last week, and yesterday an injury for José Luis Gayà. To lose two important players as soon as the game begins is always a setback, because they increase the possibility of tiredness for the team.

Until the appropriate tests are carried out tomorrow, we will not know the extent of the injuries. They look like muscle injuries, but we can't say anything until the tests are done.

Are you afraid of losing more players due to muscle injuries, since there are three games in a week?

We have a busy week, with tough matches against Sevilla and Athletic Club. They are important and difficult matches. We are going to try to make sure that the players, who today made a tremendous effort, arrive in the best condition for Wednesday against Sevilla.

If there is something good about this unexpected result, it is that in three days we have another game and we have to prepare for it. Now there is no time for regrets, and we must not forget that we had a team at the level of Real Madrid in front of us, and you cannot give them anything. We did that and we ended up paying for it.

What do you think of Hugo Guillamón in midfield?

Guillamón had a great game overall. He performed at a fantastic level. The team’s effort, work and high press took its toll at the end, but Hugo -like all his teammates- had a great game.

Were the team tired because of fatigue or waiting for counters by Helder Costa and Marcos André?

Fatigue, tiredness, effort and the attempt to protect the result made us drop back, but that was not the problem. I think we let them make crosses. For the second goal we let them take a cross from the left, it went to the right and they took another cross, very comfortably and they surprised us with that shot from Benzema. Giorgi came out a bit and they made it 2-1.

Sometimes, even if you are in a low block for different reasons, you have to know how to handle those moments -and perhaps we weren’t able to see how to do it against Real Madrid, who have a lot of quality.

What did you think about the Casemiro challenge on Maxi Gómez, and the possible handball by Benzema?

I didn’t see either of the two incidents. If you say that the challenge was hard, I can’t give my verdict because I haven’t seen the replay of that or Benzema’s goal.

How are the players emotionally after the defeat? How do you work psychologically to be able to improve these situations in the future?

We are obviously affected. It was an unexpected result. We made a great effort, had a great game overall, the team gave absolutely everything and it hurts, but now from tomorrow there is no room for regrets. We have to prepare for the game we have against Sevilla, who are a great team with a big squad. We cannot think more about this match. We will analyse the mistakes, so that they do not happen again and so that we know how to handle things when we have a favourable scoreline, then look ahead to Sevilla.

Was it a fair result?

This is football and we know that sometimes these kinds of results happen. The team did things well for much of the game and ended up losing, and that happens on many occasions. We must learn and know that matches last 94-95 minutes. You cannot lose focus for an instant, because you end up paying it -especially against a side like Real Madrid

Around 30,000 fans were at Mestalla today

I congratulate the fans, as the atmosphere has been fantastic. We have recovered that atmosphere of Mestalla, that energy, that strength that is the heart of this team. Thank you on my behalf and on behalf of the entire squad, because it has given us a lot of strength. It’s a shame, as we wanted to give them a victory on a special day against Real Madrid, but it wasn’t to be. This is a long-distance race and we will continue working and preparing for the next match.

Have you been able to speak with Hugo Duro?

No, I haven't been able to talk to him. Hugo helped his teammates and put in a tremendous effort. He scored the goal that put us ahead and could have given us the victory. He was unhappy about the defeat; happy to have scored his first goal for Valencia CF, but sad like everyone else about the defeat.